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Germanic given name of uncertain meaning. Some sources state that it is a short form of Germanic given names that contain the element boto meaning "bid, offer" (such as BODEGISEL - also compare BODE), whilst others state that it is a short form of Germanic given names that contain the element burg meaning "protection", such as Burghard (see BURCHARD). Also compare somewhat similar names, such as ANSO, GERO and ODO, all of which are short forms of Germanic given names that start with a certain element.

Other sources derive the name from Old High German bôsi meaning "evil", which ultimately comes from Proto-Germanic *bausuz meaning "bad" as well as "inflated, swollen" and "proud, arrogant" (compare the English verb to boast). One source has even linked the name to ancient Greek φόως (phoos) meaning "(to) the light (of day)", but that seems to be a bit of a stretch.

With that said, a known bearer of this name was the 6th-century Frankish duke Bodegisel (also found written as Bodogisel), who is said to have been known by the nicknames Boggis and Boso. Other bearers include the Frankish nobleman and king Boso of Provence (9th century AD) and the German bishop Boso of Merseburg (10th century AD).